City of Forest Park Partners with Clayton County Chamber of Commerce in the Launch of the ELEVATE Workforce Development Program

FOREST PARK, Ga. — June 9, 2025 — The City of Forest Park is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce to enhance its ELEVATE workforce development program. This strategic collaboration is set to address the pressing issues of employment instability faced by many residents in the community. 

The ELEVATE program is intended to empower individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and underemployment by providing comprehensive workforce development, skills training and job placement services. A primary focus of this partnership will be two-fold: 

Employer Recruitment: The partnership will facilitate stronger connections between program participants and local employers, increasing job placement opportunities. By collaborating with the Clayton Chamber, the city will work to recruit businesses willing to engage with the ELEVATE program and hire qualified participants.

Transportation Services: The program will provide critical transportation services for participants, ensuring access to employment and daycare opportunities. This initiative addresses a significant obstacle to employment stability, allowing participants to navigate their daily responsibilities more effectively.

Chamber President and CEO, Ms. Valencia Williamson, expressed enthusiastic support for this initiative, stating, “Collaborative action is paramount to the success of our region, and the City of Forest Park’s ELEVATE program will create space for impactful opportunities so that everyone wins.” Ms. Williamson also serves on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and will provide Breeze Cards for program participants. Ms. Williamson added, “Transit access helps eliminate a major barrier to employment and opens pathways to economic mobility. It’s a critical component of the Chamber’s strategy to connect people with opportunity.”

ELEVATE launched on April 18, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together elected officials, program partners, community stakeholders, employers and citizens. The event marked a significant step forward toward the city's commitment to fostering self-sufficiency, dignity and economic stability within the community.

“Our unwavering commitment is to empower our residents — not just to succeed, but to truly thrive,” said City Manager Ricky L. Clark, Jr. “This partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and our ongoing relationship with MARTA represents more than collaboration. It reflects a unified vision for workforce development, equitable access and a deeply engaged, future-ready community. What’s even more remarkable is how successful the program has already been — and to think, we brought this to life in under a year. Just imagine what we can achieve moving forward."

For more information about the ELEVATE Program, including how to register and office hours, visit www.forestparkga.gov/elevate.

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